becausehe came closeto deathfor the workof Christ,riskinghis lifeto completewhat was deficientin your serviceto me.
"But I do not considermy lifeof anyaccountas dearto myself,sothat I may finishmy courseand the ministrywhichI receivedfrom the LordJesus,to testify solemnlyof the gospelof the graceof God.
whofor my liferiskedtheir ownnecks,to whomnot onlydo I give thanks,but alsoallthe churchesof the Gentiles;
For thisperishablemustputon the imperishable,and thismortalmust puton immortality.
NowifTimothycomes,seethat he is with you without cause to be afraid,for he is doingthe Lord'swork,as I alsoam.
I rejoiceoverthe comingof Stephanasand Fortunatusand Achaicus,becausethey have suppliedwhat was lackingon your part.
I will most gladlyspendand be expendedfor your souls.IfI loveyou more,am I to be lovedless?
Sodeathworksin us, but lifein you.
But evenifI am being poured out as a drink offeringupon the sacrificeand serviceof your faith,I rejoiceand share my joywith you all.
For indeedhe was sickto the pointof death,but Godhad mercyon him, and not on him onlybut alsoon me, sothat I would not havesorrowupon sorrow.
But I rejoicedin the Lordgreatly,that nowat lastyou have revivedyour concernfor me; indeed,you were concerned[before], but you lacked opportunity.
But I have receivedeverythingin fulland have an abundance;I am amply supplied,having receivedfrom Epaphrodituswhat you have sent,a fragrantaroma,an acceptablesacrifice,well-pleasingto God.
whomI wishedto keepwith me, sothat on your behalfhe might ministerto me in my imprisonmentfor the gospel;
"And they overcamehim becauseof the bloodof the Lamband becauseof the wordof their testimony,and they did not lovetheir lifeeven whenfaced with death.
